2011 Flying Heart Cellars Red Wine - $5

Not sure what I was thinking when I picked up this Ed Hardy-esque labeled red blend, but it is down right awful. Overly sweet and completely unbalanced. This bottle is going back to Trader Joe's and I suggest you avoid at all costs.

thumbs down

2010 County Fair Wingman Shiraz Viognier - $7

A rich yet tart Shiraz with flavors of cherry and red raspberry.

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2009 Trader Joe's Coastal Syrah - $5

Big and spicy. Jammy too. Very traditional Syrah feel to this one. Grab this if you're looking for a cheap bottle of very drinkable red wine.

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2010 Marqués de Montañana Viura - $4.50

A crisp, dry, easy drinking white. Not much on the nose, and no real predominant flavors, but nicely balanced. Make this your go-to table white for under $5.

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2010 Spiral Wines Cabernet Sauvignon - $6

Deep dark purple color. Perfumey nose. Dark fruit flavors, but ultimately tastes cheap. Little nip of tannic bite at the end.

All that, and $1 more than last year's batch? No thank you.

thumbs down - 77

2010 Old Moon Old Vine Zinfandel - $6

Tastes like bad raisins. Drink with at least four straws.

thumbs down - 65

2010 Eco Vino Chardonnay - $12

1.5 liters of rich golden colored Chardonnay with a mellow, rounded flavor that's not too buttery and finishes pleasantly. Alas, it's a bit ho-hum. Nothing exciting, but a nice value and would make for a fine party wine.

thumbs up - 82

2009 Trader Joe's Reserve Syrah - $10

Great ruby color. Pleasant nose with dark berry tones. Dark flavors for a Syrah: toffee, leathery, hint of plum.

thumbs up - 86

2010 MGM Pinot Noir - $7

Heavy color for a Pinot. Tight nose with hints of gasoline and perfume. Strawberry fruit leather and a bit astringent on the taste. Not good. 

thumbs down - 70

2010 David Frost Shiraz - $7

A dark, inky nose to match a dark, leathery taste with an ever so slightly tannic finish. Not your typical Shiraz, but tasty nonetheless. 

thumbs up - 83